Mendelevium (Md) is in the Actinides group of the periodic table.
Understanding Mendelevium (Md)
Mendelevium, symbolized as Md and having an atomic number of 101, is a synthetic element named after Dmitri Mendeleev, the father of the periodic table. It is classified as an actinide, which is a series of 15 metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers from 89 (actinium) to 103 (lawrencium). These elements are characterized by the filling of the 5f electron shell.
Mendelevium is known for its highly radioactive nature, with its most stable isotope, Mendelevium-258, having a half-life of 51 days. Due to its synthetic origin and short half-life, it is primarily used for scientific research and has no practical applications outside of the laboratory.
Key Properties of Mendelevium
Mendelevium possesses several distinctive properties that align it with other elements in the actinide series. Below is a summary of some of its fundamental characteristics:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Group | Actinides |
| Block | f |
| Atomic Number | 101 |
| State at 20°C | Solid |
| Electron Configuration | [Rn] 5f137s2 |
| Melting Point | 827°C (1100 K, 1521°F) |
As an f-block element, Mendelevium's chemical behavior is influenced by the inner 5f electrons, leading to variable oxidation states, though +2 and +3 are most common for Md. Its placement within the actinides highlights its heavy metallic properties and its position in the bottom row of the periodic table, often displayed separately for better layout.
